When I first moved to Chicago, I lived in Chinatown--so it was close. And after numerous frustrations, I discovered that this is the spot. I don't even go to any other clubs.

What does that mean, "This is the spot"?

This is the nexus. This is where creative music is happening in Chicago. This is the temple.

I see a pretty diverse crowd here tonight. Is that what you mean?

Not only for the audience, but for the musicians, for the kind of music and expression that come through here. I've done a little bit of traveling and, man, you just don't find anything like this in New York or anywhere else where people play that hard, where they're searching so vigorously.

Searching for what?

New sounds, new ways of expressing the music. New techniques, new combinations, new orchestrations. The focus here has always been on spontaneity.

A lot of people seem intimidated by jazz in the same way they might be fearful of classical music or the opera. Help me convince them they should give jazz a try.

Stop thinking so much. Stop thinking so much and come out and expose yourself to something that might change you, might change the way you look at the world.

Jazz can do that?

Sure. You know, music--and improvised music in particular--is one of the few art forms that is absolutely required to be social. You can paint by yourself, you can sculpt by yourself, but you can't really improvise by yourself.

So is this a good place to bring a date?

Well, that depends. I wouldn't bring a first date here, necessarily.

Why's that?

I suppose it all depends on your goals. If you want to show her what you're really about, take her here. If you have ulterior motives, shall we say, you may want to do something else.

But if your date's into music, it'd be a good choice?

If your date's into music and consciously listening and not just having music wash over you while you talk about your day or whatever, bring your date here. If the music is just going to be a backdrop to whatever other machinations are going on, you may want to go somewhere else.